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Marshall Communications and AMERICOM GOVERNMENT SERVICES Awarded $25 Million NASA Contract; Satellite Services to Provide Space Shuttle Video Feeds and Digitally-Enhanced NASA TV

Posted on: Thursday, 4 March 2004, 06:00 CST

AMERICOM GOVERNMENT SERVICES, Inc. (AGS), a wholly-owned subsidiary of SES AMERICOM, and Marshall Communications, a provider of satellite-based telecommunications services and prime contractor, announced today the award of a $25 million, four-year contract with the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA).

NASA will utilize AGS' satellite services via Marshall, to provide Space Shuttle video feed during pre-launch, launch and re-entry. AGS will also broadcast NASA TV, which is transitioning from one analog channel to multiple digital channels. NASA uses the video feeds and TV broadcasts for ongoing scientific analysis, educational initiatives and distribution to news media outlets.

While AGS has been providing these services to NASA, the agency rebid the contract in an effort to consolidate its service operations by selecting separate providers for satellite, terrestrial and technical support. Awarded the satellite portion through its GSA-Federal Technology Services Contract, Marshall selected AGS to provide the end-to-end network solution, including uplink to ground stations as well as downlink reception. Communications will be broadcast to NASA Flight Centers across the country including Marshall, Kennedy, Goddard, White Sands and Johnson.

"AGS was the hands-down choice for the NASA contract because of its high-quality, reliable SATCOM services. The company has an extensive satellite fleet, in-depth knowledge of the government market and expertise in every aspect of SATCOM networks," said Sonny Marshall, President and CEO of Marshall. "A long-time and valued partner of Marshall Communications, AGS has demonstrated that working together we can deliver on what we promise."

AGS President and CEO David Helfgott adds, "Our close relationship with Marshall is a primary example of why AGS has been so successful in the government market. AGS has the extensive resources and uncompromising quality, support and expertise to provide solutions that perform to spec today and are well positioned for success in the future."

About Marshall Communications

Marshall Communications Corp. is a high technology, "Best of Breed" systems integrator that specializes in satellite communications and streaming media over WANs/LANs (including satellite DVB/IP networks). In business since 1991, Marshall's primary focus is to provide customers with cost effective turnkey systems that use components that are COTS, Standards based and Open Architecture. Marshall has over 30 years of satellite communications network operations, planning, and systems engineering experience. Marshall has successfully supported satellite communications projects at both military and civilian agencies including: Navy Satellite Communications (SPAWAR and NAVAIR), US Army, US Marines, US Air Force, DISA/JEIO, AF Communications, US Postal Service, Department of Homeland Security, Department of State, The Internal Revenue Service, US Geological Survey, US Border Patrol and the Social Security Administration. Using the GSA/FTS Contract, Marshall has assembled a proven strategic alliance with a team consisting of major hardware, software and space segment vendor partners. Marshall also offers turnkey and custom solutions for satellite antennas and MPEG2/DVB data multicasting to the desktop as well as classical digital television networks. Marshall's secure products and services include Secure Mobile IP Networking, 802.11 (a & b) secure wireless networking Secure (VPN) High Speed Internet Access via satellite (2-way) and wireless broadband video streaming to laptops and pocket PCs. For more information on Marshall Communications Corp. visit our website at www.ma-inc.com.

About AMERICOM GOVERNMENT SERVICES

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